Cockfield Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Cockfield Church of England Primary School is a school where pupils feel happy and safe. They trust staff to look after them. Pupils think of school as a caring family and will be sad to leave.

Parents and carers agree that their children are well cared for. 'This is a lovely school that encourages our children to be the best they can be,' is typical of parents' views.

Leaders set high expectations for pupils' behaviour and want them to do their best.

Pupils understand how they are expected to behave and most behave well. Staff act quickly to improve pupils' behaviour on the few occasions when it is required. Pupils say that bullying is rare.

They ar...e confident that if it happens, adults sort it out quickly.

Leaders ensure that there are lots of memorable trips linked to pupils' learning. Pupils enjoy learning and the extra activities provided for them.

They work hard for their community. They raise money for charities, for example by holding a Macmillan coffee morning and supporting the NSPCC. Pupils take part in many sporting activities and clubs, including gym and rock band.

Pupils of all ages are proud to serve on the school council.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have made rapid improvements to the curriculum. Teachers have been fully supportive of this change and have worked hard to make it happen.

Leaders provide all teaching staff with regular training so that they can teach subjects well. Teachers carry out their responsibilities willingly and well. They feel valued.

Leaders have designed a curriculum that builds pupils' knowledge and skills over time. Plans are fully in place in all subjects. Teachers plan lessons so that pupils learn the content in an order which helps them know and remember more.

During lessons, teachers check that pupils have learned what they need to know and offer lots of support to help them.

Pupils usually develop secure knowledge over time. They remember much of what they have been taught.

They can apply this to new work. Their firm understanding of subject-specific vocabulary helps them understand new ideas. On occasions, teachers do not follow leaders' plans well.

When this happens, pupils do not learn as effectively.

Reading is a priority for all pupils. In Reception, children make a quick start to reading.

Staff provide a highly structured approach to learning letters and the sounds they make. Children remember this knowledge and use it well. Pupils read books which are closely matched to their reading ability.

Any pupils who struggle are quickly helped to catch up because staff pay close attention to their development. Older pupils' reading skills are well developed.The early years provision gives children a positive introduction to their formal education.

This is because staff understand children's needs very well. The carefully planned curriculum supports children's physical development as well as their wider learning. Activities and play sessions are challenging and capture the interest of pupils.

Staff support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) well. Staff make suitable adjustments to teaching which help pupils to learn with everyone else. Pupils with SEND take a full part in all lessons.

Pupils are very polite and friendly. In most lessons, they work very hard. At breaktimes and lunchtimes, most pupils play together sensibly.

They are proud of their school and their attendance and punctuality reflect this.

Pupils enjoy an extensive range of trips, connected to what they learn about in school. They are active in sports and healthy exercise.

They enjoy responsibilities. For example, older pupils help younger children settle into school and make friends. Others lead the school's energy efficiency work.

Teachers make sure that pupils have high-quality opportunities to develop a thorough understanding of British values and different faiths.

Governors know their school well. They value the work of the headteacher and staff and hold them to account for the improvement of the school.

Governors organise their work and time so that they can give careful attention to the most important development work of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Pupils' safety is of great importance to leaders and staff.

Staff are well trained. They understand what they must do if they have concerns about children's safety. Leaders act quickly in response to concerns and refer them to appropriate external agencies.

The school makes sure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children by carrying out thorough checks. Pupils and parents receive useful guidance about staying safe online. Pupils feel safe in school and are confident they can raise concerns with staff.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

The school's curriculum is sometimes not taught as planned. As a result, some pupils do not learn what leaders and teachers intend them to. Leaders need to make sure that all teachers consistently follow the agreed curriculum plans.

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